My name is Mrs. D. and I am an author of children's books. Currently, I’m juggling many projects including several new books. I love to write. I love this beautiful language. I write because I have something to share. I write because maybe someday, someone in this world may need my experience. I write for one simple reason. I love how it makes me feel: free.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

This was dry and touching, lovingly-written story that I just had to have Olga on here. She seems every bit as loving and caring as her writing. Please welcome her, sit down, and read what she has to say about:

So nice to have you on my blog, Olga. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.

First one out of the gate: What influenced you to write your book?

When a story is written, it is not forgotten. The story of the little girl is very dear to my heart. It is related to my younger daughter, who befriended the three blooming trees growing in front of our small house. I wrote and rewrote this story in my head many times, envisioning the characters hiding behind the words. Each spring, my memories would take me back to the old garden and I recalled the little girl running free among the flowering trees. The memories of the three blooming trees, left behind in a tiny garden, made me feel nostalgic, and I longed for people to see their internal beauty through the eyes of a child, one who was desperately searching for friendship and love.

The Trees Have Hearts was my observation of a lonely child who created a wonderful relationship with nature, while trying to deal with the real world. The friendship between nature and the child was genuine, pure, and real. There was an invisible connection, loving and wholesome, as if they were feeding on each other's love. Nature heals. It is a beautiful imaginary world where children instinctively look for comfort and safety.

Portraying the three trees as beautiful young women, I wanted people to think twice before they cut down a tree. Trees are here for a reason, providing refuge and relief. Thinking of how many children are lost in this busy world, struggling to fit into new surroundings and find friends who will accept them for who they are, I wanted to give them hope.

In children's eyes, there are no small problems. They are all huge, but there is a way to deal with any crisis, no matter how big it may look. I hope the story of the little girl will help lonely children overcome their fears and find a better way to cope with their problems.

Beautifully said. The loneliness of a child is heartbreaking, and not always obvious. Having a non-judgmental friend, in the form of nature, can be a soothing balm on a broken little heart.

Do you have a favorite character or theme?

The story of the little girl was unfolding in front of my eyes for years. I wrote this story because I witnessed a great relationship between a child and nature and I did not want it to disappear from my memories. Writing The Trees Have Hearts, I had a clear vision of how I wanted this book to appear to the reader. Using the example of a little girl, I wanted to bring a positive message to many lonely children searching for friendship and acceptance. I carried these characters in my mind for a very long time. With time, we became inseparable friends, and it is impossible to choose who my favorite character is.

I will always love the character of the little girl, a sweet and naïve child with a golden heart. The three loving trees will always hold a special place in my heart. The relationship between the little girl and the trees was established at the beginning of their friendship and lasted for a long time. Each tree had a different meaning and purpose, just as friends do. Recalling my daughter's talks, I knew exactly how the "women trees" should look. From my daughter's conversations, I got the feeling that the tress were much older than she was. They represented young women.

Sassy, ​​the beautiful magnolia tree, was a strong character. Intelligent, confident, and forward, she taught the little girl how to adjust to a new life. Chance, the gentle plum tree, a shy and thoughtful character, gave her motherly love and the advice she needed. Shadow, the weeping cherry tree, a protective and caring friend, provided the comfort and safety the little girl craved. They were like mothers, older sisters, and friends all in one. Writing this book, I thought if I put faces behind the trees, then maybe would people see the beauty and wisdom of nature.

And who does not like a funny grandpa? Strong, caring, and protective, the Old Wind represented the loving grandpa the little girl had left behind. I painted him as a playful character, sometimes silly and amusing, but when needed, he was always there, ready to help and protect. I love all my characters.

Actually, so do I. (I have chills inspired from reading your answers!)

Do you have any other books in progress, or that you plan to write?

At first, my plan was to write my stories in Russian or Ukrainian and then translate to English. For some reason, when I started writing, I could not switch to my native language in my mind. The words in my head were swirling in English, and after a few paragraphs, I gave up and started writing in English. English is one of a few languages ​​I speak, but I had never attempted to write in it. I did not grow up in this country and never attended a school here, except for a few courses that I took in a local college.

After I finished The Trees Have Hearts, I could not stop writing. I had this unexplainable hunger to explore a new language. In the space of a few months, I wrote a few short stories and children's stories. One day, my husband read my stories and told my daughters about my writing. They helped me to shape my stories and then sent them to a professional editor. The fun started when I began working with very talented Illustrators and saw my stories transformed into books. Carlo The Mouse on Vacation, The Trees Have Hearts and The City and the Old Kittens Cat House are published and are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Next week Carlo The Mouse, Book 1: Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse will also be published. My new children's book Good Morning, World! will be published in July.

WORKS IN PROGRESS

Carlo The Mouse -A full series of new books. (Coming in 2013-2014)

This enchanting series of books is an entertaining look into the life of a little mouse born inside a hospital's walls. His insatiable desire for adventure gets him into constant trouble with the exterminator, the head cook, Fidel the cat, and the hospital manager, who becomes his worst nightmare. Book 1, Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse, is coming out next week.

Who Is Most Important in the Fridge? ( Coming in 2014 ) These fun rhyming stories introduce young readers to delightful food and goofy characters with personalities, real feelings, passions and fears, who always disagree with each other about who will feed a hungry little girl first.

The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet. ( Coming in 2014 ) A humorous story about the mysterious life inside the closet and a curious little kitten, which sneaks inside the closet and causes mayhem.

Runaway Clothes. (Coming in 2013) An instructional story about a little girl who did not like to take care of her clothes and toys. In the end, she learns how easy it is to lose something you love.

The Royal Palm. A teaching story about a snobby silver palm, which learns a valuable lesson and the meaning of real friendship.

The Autumn Wind. A moving story about the powerful wind and the peaceful garden, and how things change quickly when the Autumn wind unleashes his power.

That Is How Things Are. A beautiful story about friendship between a kitten and a sparrow, and how the little kitten learned about the power of nature.

The Little Girl Praying On the Hill is based on my early childhood. I hope it will give readers a better understanding of how life can vary between two little girls of different generations.

These all sound so wonderful! I may have to pick up a couple for my great-nephew, if any are more oriented towards little boys.

You write under the name "Mrs. D." Is there a story behind that?

My daughter's friends always called me Mrs. D. I thought it would be easier for young children to pronounce short and remember my name. No secret there.

Yes, I can see your point.

I love the illustrations in the book. Can you tell us a little about the artist?

The Trees Have Hearts is a beautifully illustrated book. The illustrations are vivid and gentle. They definitely help to bring my story to life. It took many months and a lot of work with several Illustrators to illustrate this delightful children's book. I am a self-publishing author and must direct every illustration. I am also a strong believer in making a good product that will attract many types of readers. As readers look at the illustrations, I would like them to clearly envision this story. The illustrations must guide a child through the story before they start reading the book. I hope I achieved my vision for this book through the art of a very talented illustrator, Juli Hasegawa, who colored The Trees Have Hearts. She really did a great job. Her amazing illustrations are full of color and fun. In print, this book looks more attractive than I expected. Juli's talent is apparent in each stroke of her pen. Her characters and illustrations are vibrant and fun. Her work is soft and light, the soft touch of art mixed with Japanese and Western style. She is an extremely creative and devoted artist. She likes to create adorable, mischievous characters in light pastel colors. She is also excellent in a realistic style. Experienced with both dark and light colors, Juli continues to work on my series of books on the Mouse Carlo and a few other books. She is an extremely ambitious, creative, and talented young artist, and always impresses readers with her ​​beautiful and unusual art.

Children are pulled in by the first pictures-I agree. And Juli's work is definitely very attractive to eyes of all ages.

The main character looks very much like the picture of your daughter. Am I correct in assuming that the two are the same- that you modeled your character after your daughter?

The Trees Have Hearts has a close connection to my younger daughter, who befriended the three old trees in our garden. I wrote this story the way I felt, from a mother's heart. I did not want to show one side of this story and write just about the struggles of the little girl while she was adapting to her new life. It was very important to show children that if you try harder to find a place in new surroundings, there is always a way to overcome difficulties. The characters of the trees definitely helped me to convey this message to the reader. Wise, caring, and protective, they guided the little girl throughout the story, as any parent would. The little girl overcame her fears and made ​​real friends because she had advisers encouraging her to move forward despite her worries and uncertainty. I think nature is a wonderful example of how to live in harmony and peace. I've always believed in the invisible connection between humans and nature. We just must learn how to listen. Unlike grown-ups, children have a beautifully developed imagination and often look in places where we grown-ups do not dare venture.

Very true. This book should be read in classrooms, especially in schools where the population is often a changing one. So much good could come from the lessons it contains.

And the lovely young lady pictured in the back of the book-your daughter?

Yes. My younger daughter is 25 years old now. Veronika is a third-year PhD student in the Graduate School for Biomedical Sciences at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Rutgers Medical School, in the Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Physiology and track, and has joined the Reynolds Family Spine Laboratory. She is performing her dissertation research with Drs. Stella Elkabes and Robert F. Heary on an underlying neuronal protection mechanisms, spinal cord injury, and inflammation.

Veronika named the trees from games favorite movie at the time, Homeward Bound. The imaginary world she created gave her the comfort she needed. It saved her from loneliness while she was adapting to her new home. Watching my little girl happily twirling around the whispering trees, I knew she would be fine. She knew all the right answers, as if the trees garden had taught her how to deal with the problems she was facing. She knew she must overcome fears games and start making real friends. As you can see, she is doing just great.

Fantastic! Congratulations to her!

What do you like to do outside of writing?

I like to travel. There are so many places I have never been, and I want to visit and learn their history. When I travel, I read a lot. I am a forest ranger's daughter, so I love nature, gardening, and animals. I live near the ocean and like to walk on the beach. I, like music, movies, and cooking. I love my family and enjoy spending time with my friends.

Traveling is the best! I love to go adventuring. Outdoor Hikes- I cannot get enough of them.

Thanks again for stopping by, Olga. Best of fortune on all of your books. Speaking of which, where can we contact you?

Author of paranormal / horror novel "Be Not Afraid" Currently prepping prequel ("Unholy Trinity") and sequel ("Resurgence: The Rise of Judas") for publishing. The first is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Powells - hardback, softcover, and e-book.

Mrs. D's books: 5 Star Readers’ Favorite

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Mrs.D's Published Books

MRS.D.BOOKS WEBSITE

Who Let the Cookies Out? (Grandma's Cookies Stories)

Not your normal cookies!Who doesn‛t like cookies, especially cookies that willtake you on a tasty but nutty adventure?This delicious story begins in Grandma‛s kitchen when she decides to surprise her grandson‛s pre-K with holiday cookies. But little did she know what a mess her nutty cookies would create at her grandson‛s school. They just can‛t resist being nuts!This scrumptious tale proves the old saying that we‛re all made from the same “dough,” but a few “nuts” can spoil the batch.Brace yourself for a yummy book that will keep your giggles coming with every page you turn!

Baby from the Moon

A perfect book for bedtime snuggles! "Baby from the Moon" is a tale about a single wish - to find a mommy, whom Baby G saw many times in his dreams while living in the sky before his birth. It is a sweet story of the baby boy and his birth that celebrates life, joy, and encouragement, while satisfying the curiosity of young children how they came into this world. A touching journey of the tiny boy, who wants nothing more then to meet his mommy, this is a gentle introduction and inspiration for every child with dreams. A beautiful story and amazing artwork will keep children's imaginations flying from page to page filled with loving twists and turns. Children might discover something surprising about their birth and themselves. A fantastic gift for a new mommy and baby!

WINNERS OF THE READER'S FAVORITE CONTEST!

This was the largest contest ever and competition was fierce. Honored!

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FROM MRS.D.

Parents who want to make the most of storytelling activities with their children should focus on finding books and stories that have meaning and provide valuable lessons. Mrs.D.’s colorful and heartwarming children’s books will not only capture a child’s imagination but will also teach children the true meaning of friendship, family, love, and self-acceptance. They will give parents, grandparents, babysitters, and those who love to read an interesting way to spend time together. Mrs.D.Books blog is about the world of children’s books, self-publishing experiences, recommendations and helpful sites for authors, useful posts from a variety of sources about marketing tools, e-books, children’s apps, book trailers, book buzz, how to sell more books, interesting articles about children’s literature, lists of children’s books, news about children’s authors, art, photography, new discoveries, and more. Brace yourself for an unusual journey...Guest bloggers are welcome!

A Taste of Bread -PUBLISHED!

THAT IS HOW THINGS ARE - PUBLISHED!

(Two connected stories) “The Autumn Wind”—A moving story about the powerful wind and the peaceful garden, and how things change quickly when the callous autumn wind unleashes his power. “The Kitten and the Sparrow”—A heartwarming story about friendship between a kitten and a sparrow, and how the little kitten learns about the power of nature.

The Mysterious Life Inside a Closet - PUBLISHED!

Who made a mess in the closet? This enchanting story contains an amusing dialogue between the strange occupants of a closet and a curious kitten. Much to its surprise, the nosy kitten finds itself in the middle of a huge disagreement between the black broom and the other occupants of the closet. The blue sponge is sensitive, the purple duster is upset, the red vacuum cleaner is furious, and the black broom cannot rest until she discovers who made the mess. Sneak into a dark closet with a kitten and see who causes mayhem! Was it the silver bucket, the green dustpan, the lost slipper, the sleepy mop, or the old cat that made the mess? Read and reread this story until you find out! This entertaining story may start with a mess, but it ends with children laughing!

PUBLISHED!

These fun rhyming stories introduce young readers to delightful food characters with goofy personalities, real feelings, passions and fears, who always disagree with each other about who will feed a hungry little girl first.

PUBLISHED!

What's Going On Inside the Fridge? Story 2

PUBLISHED!

Who Is Most Important in the Fridge? Story 3

THE TREES HAVE HEARTS - MULTI AWARD WINNER!

Poignant and imaginative, this story will easily find a spot in the reader’s heart. The rich storytelling and unforgettable characters add flavor to an already delightful story line. This book opens a surprising imaginary world as seen through the eyes of a child…

GOOD MORNING, WORLD!-Honored for Excellence by the Mom's Choice and Readers' Favorite Awards

Glide gently into the beautiful morning with Baby Thomas and his grandpa. The sun is shining brightly through the wide window and the flowers, trees, birds, and other creatures have already started their day. Brilliant colors of the dawning day wake up the park, and Baby Thomas is ready for a walk. While walking in the park with his grandpa, they see the same things but from a different perspective. Baby Thomas wants to hug the wonderful world around him, but his grandpa has a different opinion. In this book, young readers will easily connect to the wonders of nature and unforgettable characters, playfully interacting with each other. Join happy Baby Thomas and his grandpa for a walk and have a delightful, uplifting morning!

READERS' FAVORITE and MOM'S CHOICE AWARD WINNER!

A Christmas story about sharing and giving. The old cat likes her settled life and is not happy about the new arrivals. She’s also very protective of her belongings. The city kittens annoy her, and the old cat grumbles about the new additions to the family—until she hears a story one night that makes her feel bad. The kittens aren’t the soft or spoiled brats she had thought they were …

An enlightening story about a little girl named Nika who didn’t want to take care of her clothes and toys. One hazy morning when Nika opened her closet, she discovered that it was empty. Her clothes had disappeared! What had happened to her shirts and pants? Where did her favorite dresses, coats, and socks go? Why did they leave her with just her pajamas on this misty morning? Will they come back? Taking a closer look at her room, Nika starts thinking about her attitude toward her clothes and toys. “How easy it is to lose something you love so much.” She learns an important lesson at the end of this story. Watch your children have a blast reading this story while learning valuable lessons.

The Royal Palm-Mom's Choice Awards and Readers' Favorite Winner

A thought-provoking tale of the journey of a royal palm born on a tiny island surrounded by mysterious waters. This tender story explores the world of someone wrapped up in herself. Protected by her cousins, the short plain palms, the royal palm grew up beautiful, but very self-centered. Dreaming about life outside the island, she did not bother with her friends, who lived as one big family. Immersed in her own beauty, she only cared for herself, until one day a hurricane struck the tiny island. Then the Royal Palm discovered the true meaning of family and real friendship. Inspiring story with valuable lessons to be learned and shared.

The Little Girl Praying on the Hill - Readers' Favorite International Gold Winner

"The Little Girl Praying on the Hill" is a bittersweet story based on the emotional childhood memories of a young girl determined to understand the purpose for her existence. Growing up in a poor village of the post-World War II era in a country where half the men drink themselves to death by the age of forty, the confused child questions God. The beauty of nature around her animates her and paints the perfect combination of colors, but life in her rundown village, sinking in mud after each rainfall, is a strong contrast. She exists between two worlds: her beautiful imagination and the harsh realities of life. The picture of majestic nature does not fit with the picture that God created for the people he loves. Why did he divide this world so unevenly? Why did he drop her in the wrong place? Her emotions rise to unreachable heights and sink to devastating lows. The gripping beauty of his creation mesmerizes her young mind, but only for a moment before her memories of specific events make her doubt God's intentions.

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CARLO THE MOUSE ON VACATION_NEW SERIES

Heading your way!A funny stories, full of the adventures and troubles of Carlo the mouse, who lives a simple life in a Florida hospital but always dreams of greater things. In these vibrant books, a daring mouse takes center stage in an adventure even bigger than his appetite...

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CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 1_PUBLISHED!

TOO MANY RULES FOR ONE LITTLE MOUSE! Grab your boots and hold on to your hat, because you are in for an exciting trip! The new series of Carlo the Mouse has been born. Too Many Rules for One Little Mouse is the first in a series of books on Carlo’s adventures. Each book will give readers an entertaining look into the life of a little mouse born inside a hospital’s walls. Clever, curious, and very impatient, Carlo the mouse dreams of the world outside the hospital. His parents teach him how to follow the rules and how to survive on his own, but Carlo’s insatiable desire for adventure constantly gets him in trouble. Will the little adventurer manage to survive when he leaves home? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next books on Carlo the mouse. Let your imagination soar in this full series of Carlo’s adventures!

PUBLISHED!CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 2

NOW WE'RE TALKING! Listen to the news and keep your eyes open, because a curious little mouse has had his wish come true! Now We’re Talking! is the second in a series of books on Carlo’s adventures. This nosy little mouse leaves home for the first time to explore life inside the hospital. But Hospitalia is a strange place, and there’s no place for him to hide. Cold, sterile, and unfriendly, the hospital looks nothing like Carlo had imagined while sitting at home. Before he knows what’s up, the kitchen staff are on his tail. Will the hungry mouse manage to trick the hospital manager, cook, and exterminator without breaking the rules his parents taught him? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next book on Carlo the Mouse, What’s Going On? If this clever mouse outwits you, don’t get discouraged. Keep reading and follow Carlo’s adventures!

CARLO THE MOUSE, BOOK 3_PUBLISHED!

WHAT'S GOING ON? Trouble! Where did that ravenous little mouse come from who’s disturbing the peace in the hospital? What’s Going On? is the third in a series of books on the adventures of Carlo the mouse. Carlo knew he was not supposed to go near the manager’s office, but when the kitchen staff were chasing him, he made a choice that started a war. This is only Carlo’s first time out, and already everyone is after him. Imagine what could happen when he learns his way around the hospital! He likes to eat, and is growing like a mushroom after the rain. Will this be the end of our curious little mouse, or will Carlo manage to outsmart the clever manager, angry cook, and sneaky exterminator so he can go home safely? You’ll find out in Mrs. D.’s next books on Carlo the mouse. Remember, Hospitalia is a strange place …

CARLO THE MOUSE, BOOK 4_PUBLISHED

RULES ARE FOR A REASON - More trouble for the Most Wanted Mouse! The hospital cook, manager, and exterminator have proclaimed war against the mice of the world! Rules Are for a Reason is the fourth in a series of books on Carlo the mouse. Always hungry, the curious little mouse snoops underneath each door, driving the hospital staff crazy. He’s constantly breaking the rules his parents taught him. One morning, Carlo wakes up sick. Horrified, he leaps from his bed and looks in the mirror—and finds he looks like a meatball! Fly disease? Mousesclerosis? Chickenpoxsclerosis? Sounds long! What sickness did the carefree mouse catch while exploring the hospital? Will Carlo turn into a chicken … or a frog … or maybe a prince? You’ll find out in the next book on Carlo’s adventures: Nothing Is Safe in a Mouse’s Life. If you want to know if Carlo will learn to follow the rules Papa Mouse and Mama Mouse taught him, you must read every day and follow your parents’ rules. More exciting adventures of Carlo the Mouse await you!

CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 5-PUBLISHED!

NOTHING IS SAFE IN A MOUSE'S LIFE - A whisker-licking story of one kind little mouse! Who would ever suspect that Carlo would meet Fidel the cat inside the hospital? Who would ever believe that the tricky young mouse would outsmart the old cat? Who would ever imagine that for the first time in his life, the daring mouse would venture away from his home and find himself outside the hospital? Homeless, cold, and hungry, Carlo and his family face attacks from vicious birds. Throughout his dangerous journey, Carlo finds adventure aplenty. He learns about life outside the hospital and the dangers that mice face on a daily basis. Determined to return home safely, Carlo has grown up and finally understands why he must obey the rules his parents taught him. Follow the unexpected adventures of this bold little mouse!

CARLO THE MOUSE,BOOK 6_PUBLISHED!

IT'S MY LIFE! Once a mouse falls in love, almost anything can happen! His heart skips a beat! He can’t eat, drink, or sleep! He is tossing in bed, losing rest and extra fat! He bleaches his brown hair and becomes a blond mouse! What is going on with Carlo? Papa Mouse is distressed. Is he getting a heart attack? Carlo looks like a bleached punk! Mama Mouse is in shock. Their little mouse has grown up, and he is in love with a cute mouse. He is getting married, dear friends! The young mouse gets his wish. He soon has a pretty wife and a bunch of kids, but he still dreams of seeing the world. Life is short, and a day can hold many adventures. Sliding off a roof, Carlo falls inside an open car trunk … Kick off your boots, hold your hats, and enjoy these books, my little friends! More books on Carlo the mouse are coming in the near future.